Spark SRT05e
{{short description|Electric formula race car designed for use in the FIA Formula E Championship}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox racing car
| Constructor = Spark Racing Technology
Dallara
| Category = FIA Formula E Championship
| Image = 250px
Nico Rosberg driving the Gen2 at a 2018 Berlin ePrix demo
| Team = {{flagicon|FRA}} Nissan e.dams
{{flagicon|CHN}} DS Techeetah
{{flagicon|GER}} Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
{{flagicon|GER}} HWA Racelab
{{flagicon|GER}} TAG Heuer Porsche
{{flagicon|USA}} BMW i Andretti Motorsport
{{flagicon|GBR}} Jaguar Racing
{{flagicon|GBR}} NIO Formula E Team
{{flagicon|GBR}} Envision Virgin Racing
{{flagicon|USA}} GEOX Dragon
{{flagicon|MON}} Venturi Formula E Team
{{flagicon|IND}} Mahindra Racing
{{flagicon|GER}} Mercedes-Benz EQ
| Predecessor = SRT01-e
| Successor = Gen3
| Designer = Théophile Gouzin (Technical Director){{Cite web|url=https://www.juliusbaer.com/en/insights/future-insights/energy-transition/designing-the-gen2-car/|title=Designing the Gen2 car|last=Yearley|first=Elisabeth|date=12 June 2019|website=Julius Baer|access-date=6 May 2024}}
| Tyres = Michelin Pilot Sport All-Weather Treaded (18-inch (46 cm) wheel diameter)
| Length = 5160mm
| Width = 1770mm
| Height = 1050mm
| Wheelbase = 3100mm
| Weight = 900kg (FIA minimum)
Battery: 385kg
| Battery = 54kW⋅h (194 MJ) by McLaren Applied Technologies
| Electric motor position = mid-mounted
| Electric motor = Various
| Gearbox name = Various
| Gears = unknown
| Chassis = Carbon fibre and aluminium monocoque
| Track = Front: 1553mm
Rear: 1505mm
| Power = Max: {{convert|250|kW|hp PS|0|abbr=on}}
Race: {{convert|200|kW|hp PS|0|abbr=on}}
| Brakes = Front: 278mm Brembo Carbon Disks & Callipers
Rear: 263mm Brembo Carbon Disks & Callipers with Brake-By-Wire
}}
The Spark SRT05E, also known as the Spark Gen2 (or the Spark Gen2EVO for the unreleased upgraded chassis that was set to be introduced in the 2020–21 season but eventually cancelled) was an electric formula race car designed for use in the FIA Formula E Championship. The car was the successor to the SRT01-e, and was constructed by Spark Racing Technology with assistance from Dallara. It was used as the base car for all manufacturers and teams from the 2018-2019 FIA Formula E Championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/january/introducing-the-gen2-formula-e-car/|title=Introducing: the Gen2 Formula E car|website=FIA Formula E|date=30 January 2018 |language=en|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012112739/https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/january/introducing-the-gen2-formula-e-car/|url-status=live}} The car featured a new 56 kW⋅h (202 MJ) battery from McLaren Applied Technologies, alongside the Halo cockpit protection system,{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/di-grassi-calls-for-bespoke-formula-e-halo/|title=Di Grassi Calls for Bespoke Formula E HALO – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719154417/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/di-grassi-calls-for-bespoke-formula-e-halo/|url-status=live}} and was the first Formula E car capable of completing a full-race distance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/6/17084496/formula-e-gen-2-car-specs-geneva-motor-show-2018|title=Formula E's wild new racecar makes electric racing look cool|last=O'Kane|first=Sean|date=6 March 2018|website=The Verge|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065824/https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/6/17084496/formula-e-gen-2-car-specs-geneva-motor-show-2018|url-status=live}}
Development
= Initial development =
On 28 September 2016, McLaren Applied Technologies was announced to have won the tender to exclusively supply batteries for the Gen2 car.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mclaren.com/appliedtechnologies/case-study/formula-e-battery/|title=Formula E Battery - McLaren Applied Technologies|website=www.mclaren.com|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115185708/https://www.mclarenapplied.com/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/fe/news/126390/mclaren-technology-arm-wins-fe-battery-deal|title=McLaren F1 team's technology arm wins Formula E battery tender|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|website=Autosport.com|language=en|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065925/https://www.autosport.com/fe/news/126390/mclaren-technology-arm-wins-fe-battery-deal|url-status=live}} Initially, the tender called for the battery to be supplied for two seasons, before it was announced subsequently that battery development would only be opened up for the 3rd Generation car, to reduce development costs for teams.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/fe-battery-supplier-competition-987025/1382880/|title=Formula E to keep standard battery until at least 2025|website=www.motorsport.com|date=9 December 2017 |language=en|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115185707/https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/fe-battery-supplier-competition-987025/1382880/|url-status=live}}
On 9 January 2017, Spark Racing Technology was announced to have won the tender to supply chassis for the 2nd Generation Formula E Car.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sparkracingtechnology.com/en/content/spark-racing-technology-develop-formula-e-season-5-car|title=Spark Racing Technology to develop Formula E Season 5 car {{!}} SPARK Racing Technology|website=www.sparkracingtechnology.com|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213915/http://www.sparkracingtechnology.com/en/content/spark-racing-technology-develop-formula-e-season-5-car|url-status=dead}} On 12 February 2017, concept images of the 2nd Generation Formula E car were released.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/spark-releases-next-gen-formula-e-concept-images-873123/873123/|title=Spark releases next-gen Formula E concept images|website=www.motorsport.com|date=12 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215173339/https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/spark-releases-next-gen-formula-e-concept-images-873123/873123/|url-status=live}}
In September 2017, the SRT05e had its first shakedown run, held in secret at the Circuit Ecuyers, in Reims, France, with Anthoine Hubert at the wheel. The shakedown was used to evaluate the performance of the new battery, with the car completing over 400 km, but running without the Halo driver protection device, or fully installed bodywork.{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/revealed-new-generation-car-runs-in-secret-test/|title=Revealed: New Generation Car Runs in Secret Test – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719154550/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/revealed-new-generation-car-runs-in-secret-test/|url-status=live}}
In October 2017, the SRT05e successfully completed its first endurance tests held across three days, at the Monteblanco Circuit in Spain, once again, without the halo cockpit protection system, but with the full bodywork of the car installed. Four full-race simulations were also conducted across the three days, with Anthoine Hubert and Frederic Makowiecki at the wheel of the car.{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/successful-endurance-test-for-new-formula-e-car/|title=Successful Endurance Test for New Formula E Car – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215175308/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/successful-endurance-test-for-new-formula-e-car/|url-status=live}}
On 1 December 2017, the FIA, as well as Formula E Holdings announced via Press Release, that they would renew their exclusive partnership with Michelin to supply tyres for the Championship until 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/var/michelin_motorsport/storage/original/application/90a83178d481f6c3dede9497d64be867.pdf|title=Michelin Renews Partnership With Formula E As Official Tyre Supplier|date=12 January 2017|website=www.michelinmotorsport.com|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070622/https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/var/michelin_motorsport/storage/original/application/90a83178d481f6c3dede9497d64be867.pdf|url-status=dead}}
On 30 January 2018, the SRT05e was revealed online with a series of computer generated images.{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/formula-e-gen-2-car-breaks-cover/|title=Formula E 'Gen 2' Car Breaks Cover – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719154415/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/formula-e-gen-2-car-breaks-cover/|url-status=live}} The launch date for the car was also set at 6 March, at the Geneva International Motor show.
On 6 March 2018, the SRT05e was launched at the Geneva International Motor show by FIA President Jean Todt, as well as Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/march/next-generation-formula-e-car-breaks-cover-in-geneva/|title=Next generation Formula E Car breaks cover in Geneva|website=FIA Formula E|date=6 March 2018 |language=en|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=12 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112140923/https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2018/march/next-generation-formula-e-car-breaks-cover-in-geneva/|url-status=live}} The car was also revealed to be the first-ever race car to be fully conceived and project-led by the FIA, with the FIA organising the concept from design, through manufacture.{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/new-formula-e-launched-in-geneva/|title=New-Gen Formula E Car Launched in Geneva – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070859/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/new-formula-e-launched-in-geneva/|url-status=live}}
The first manufacturer group test took place, behind closed doors at the Monteblanco Circuit in Spain from 28 to 30 March 2018. The track was modified to include two specially-inserted temporary chicanes, on the front and back straight, with lap times estimated to be around the 1:01 mark. On the first day of testing alone, 2000 km of running was achieved among the teams.{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/strong-test-for-radical-new-formula-e-car/|title="Strong Test" for Radical New Formula E Car – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706133020/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/strong-test-for-radical-new-formula-e-car/|url-status=live}}
= Gen2EVO =
It was later confirmed on 18 January 2019, that similar to its predecessor, the SRT01-e, the SRT05e would also undergo a bodywork update ahead of its intended 3rd season of competition, the 2020–21 season, while the car would also see its use extended until the 2021–22 season.{{Cite web|url=https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/gen-2-car-update-extra-season-confirmed/|title=Gen 2 Car Update, Extra Season Confirmed – e-racing365|last=Smith|first=Sam|website=e-racing365.com|language=en-US|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719154415/https://e-racing365.com/formula-e/gen-2-car-update-extra-season-confirmed/|url-status=live}}
Subsequently, the Gen2 car was found to be much stronger than the original SRT01-e car, leading to the drivers becoming more aggressive and making contact with each other.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/gen2-car-stronger-parts-contact/4375362/|title=Why Formula E's Gen2 cars are 'too strong' now|website=www.motorsport.com|date=25 April 2019 |language=en|access-date=8 August 2019|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808163452/https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/gen2-car-stronger-parts-contact/4375362/|url-status=live}} As a result, a car redesign was proposed, with the newer front of the car made more fragile, in a bid to punish drivers for making excessive contact.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/self-punishing-front-end-facelift/4509302/|title=Formula E set for new "self-punishing" front end design|website=www.motorsport.com|date=6 August 2019 |language=en|access-date=8 August 2019|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808142356/https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/self-punishing-front-end-facelift/4509302/|url-status=live}}
On 4 February 2020, Formula E unveiled the new design, named Gen2EVO.{{Cite news|url=http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2020/feb/formula-e-gen2-evo-revealed|title=INTRODUCING: The Gen2 EVO World Championship Car|newspaper=The Official Home of Formula E|language=en|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417065115/https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2020/feb/formula-e-gen2-evo-revealed|url-status=live}} Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, a raft of emergency technical measures saw the Gen2EVO's debut delayed to the 2021-22 season.{{Cite web|date=9 April 2020|title=Formula E to delay Gen2 EVO car|url=https://the-race.com/formula-e/formula-e-manufacturers-ask-to-delay-gen2-evo-car/|access-date=23 August 2020|website=The Race|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629043409/https://the-race.com/formula-e/formula-e-manufacturers-ask-to-delay-gen2-evo-car/|url-status=live}}
It was subsequently reported the introduction of the Gen2EVO bodywork update could be entirely scrapped on 11 May 2020.{{Cite web|date=11 May 2020|title=Formula E's Gen2 EVO car may never race|url=https://the-race.com/formula-e/formula-es-gen2-evo-car-may-never-race/|access-date=23 August 2020|website=The Race|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722075826/https://the-race.com/formula-e/formula-es-gen2-evo-car-may-never-race/|url-status=live}} The cancellation of the Gen2EVO bodywork update was confirmed on 19 August 2020, as Formula E was set to introduce its Gen 3 car for the 2022–23 season; running the bodywork update for only a single season was deemed uneconomical.{{Cite web|date=19 August 2020|title=Formula E's Gen 2 EVO car Cancelled|url=https://formulaezone.com/2020/08/19/formula-es-gen-2-evo-car-cancelled/|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Formula E Zone|language=en-US|archive-date=20 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320101217/https://formulaezone.com/2020/08/19/formula-es-gen-2-evo-car-cancelled/|url-status=live}}
Technology
= Electric motors =
Teams are able to use their own electric motor designs homologated by the FIA regulations, or may procure one from an existing manufacturer with an FIA-homologated design, at a cost of no more than €250,000.
= Charging =
Charging is done by the teams before the race.
= Tyres =
The cars are shod with 18in (47 cm) Michelin Pilot Sport All-Weather tyres, which are expected to last a whole race weekend, with one set of tyres per car.{{Cite web|url=http://www.michelinmotorsport.com/News/ABB-FIA-Formula-E-Michelin-reveals-the-new-MICHELIN-Pilot-Sport|title=ABB FIA Formula E: Michelin reveals the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport|last=Motorsport|first=MICHELIN|website=Michelin Motorsports UK|date=6 March 2018 |language=en-GB|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222332/https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/News/ABB-FIA-Formula-E-Michelin-reveals-the-new-MICHELIN-Pilot-Sport|url-status=live}} Compared to the tyres on the previous car, the tyres are 2 kg lighter at the front and 2.5 kg lighter at the rear, for a total weight reduction of 9 kg, excluding other factors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/var/michelin_motorsport/storage/original/application/9498ea2211af1f2d67dd87848e2d772b.pdf|title=New Michelin Pilot Sport|website=www.michelinmotorsport.com|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215174110/https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/var/michelin_motorsport/storage/original/application/9498ea2211af1f2d67dd87848e2d772b.pdf|url-status=dead}}